Afghanistan won the match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, posting 221/7 in 20 overs and holding Zimbabwe to 202/5 in their 20 overs, a victory by 19 runs.
Afghanistan's innings was powered by Azmatullah Omarzai, who struck 116 off 50 balls, and Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai, who added 52 off 27. Rashid Khan finished on 25 not out after a rapid 6‑ball knock. Brad Evans and Kundai Matigimu were the most successful bowlers for Zimbabwe, each taking 2 wickets for 40 and 48 runs respectively.
Zimbabwe chased 222 but were bowled out for 202. Sikandar Raza led the chase with 106 off 56 balls, followed by TE Tsiga with 31 off 23 and I Kaia with 25 off 13. Abdollah Ahmadzai and Azmatullah Omarzai were Zimbabwe's best bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 34 and 1 wicket for 17 respectively.
Zimbabwe elected to bowl first at the toss.